Device for lifting a spa cover

ABSTRACT

A spa cover lifting device for removing and replacing a spa cover formed by two parts joined along a folding joint from a top of a spa having a plurality of opposite sides. The lifting device comprising a pair of brackets selectively engageable on opposite sides of the spa in one of a first and a second position, the pair of brackets in the first position adapted to be engaged under the spa maintained in position by the weight of the spa, the pair of brackets in the second position adapted to be mounted on opposite sides of the spa, and a pivoting assembly having opposed side members each having an end pivotally mounted to one of the brackets, the pivoting assembly being pivotal from a relaxed position to a deployed position, when in the relaxed position the side members are adapted to engage the spa cover substantially in alignment with the folding joint, when in the deployed position the pivoting assembly raised away from the top of the spa structure in a substantially vertical orientation, and wherein the pivoting assembly is adapted to suspend the folded spa cover adjacent the spa structure.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to spa cover lifting devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically, a heated spa has an insulated spa cover to retain the heat of the spa water as well as to protect the water from debris when the spa is not in use. A number of different spa cover configurations exist to conform to various spa constructions. Spa covers range from soft, single sheets of vinyl or other materials, to hard covers formed of thick, insulated foam padding enclosed by a protective, impervious casing. Often times, hard insulated spa covers are preferred as they significantly reduce heat loss which reduces the overall cost of operating a spa.

A conventional hard spa cover is commonly foldable formed of two halves joined along a central hinge. Such spa covers are often removed by first folding one cover half over onto the other cover half, and then lifting both cover halves from the spa. A spa cover lifting device is employed to facilitate the removal and replacement of the spa cover by way of a pivoting lifting frame that engages the spa cover at its center hinge and transports the folded cover to a convenient vertical storage position or returns the folded cover from the storage position to on top of the spa.

Many different designs of spa cover lifting devices exist, however, most take up a lot of space and are cumbersome to install and use. Another problem frequently encountered with existing lifting devices is the lack of adaptability to various shapes, sizes and types of spas. For example, lifting devices including mounting brackets adapted to be mounted to the side walls of a spa cannot easily be secured to a spa having a non-uniform external surface. This is the case for spas that are being constructed from artificial stones, as it is desirable for the artificial stones to have a natural looking appearance. Even more, the artificial stones being used are made of a light weight relatively soft material that is unable to bare the load of a bracket mounted thereon. Furthermore, few spa cover lifting devices are designed to operate on non-rectangular shaped spas, and those that can accommodate unconventional spa designs tend to be much higher in price.

Therefore, a need exists to provide an improved spa cover lifting device that addresses one or more of the aforementioned concerns or problems.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved spa cover lifting device that is simple in construction, inexpensive, and easy to install and operate.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a spa assembly comprising a spa structure having a plurality of opposite sides extending upwardly from an under surface to define an opening at a top for holding water, a spa cover complementing the top of the spa structure formed by two parts joined along a folding joint, the spa cover sitting on the top of the spa, and a spa cover lifting device comprising a pair of brackets selectively engaged on opposite sides of the spa structure, a pivoting assembly having opposed side members each having an end pivotally mounted to one of the brackets, the spa cover lifting device selectively engaged with the spa structure in one of a first and a second position, when in the first position the brackets inserted under the spa engaged with the under surface thereof, when in the second position the brackets mounted on opposite sides of the spa structure, the pivoting assembly pivotal from a relaxed position to a deployed position, when in the relaxed position the side members engaged with the spa cover substantially in alignment with the folding joint, when in the deployed position the pivoting assembly raised away from the top of the spa structure in a substantially vertical orientation, and wherein one of the two parts of the spa cover is adapted to fold back over onto the other of the two parts at the folding joint remaining engaged with the side members to be removed from the top of the spa structure by the pivoting assembly pivoting from the relaxed position to the deployed position, the spa cover adapted to be suspended adjacent the spa structure when the pivoting assembly is in the deployed position.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a spa cover lifting device for removing and replacing a spa cover formed by two parts joined along a folding joint from a top of a spa having a plurality of opposite sides, the lifting device comprising a pair of brackets selectively engageable on opposite sides of the spa in one of a first and a second position, the pair of brackets in the first position adapted to be engaged under the spa maintained in position by the weight of the spa, the pair of brackets in the second position adapted to be mounted on opposite sides of the spa, and a pivoting assembly having opposed side members each having an end pivotally mounted to one of the brackets, the pivoting assembly being pivotal from a relaxed position to a deployed position, when in the relaxed position the side members are adapted to engage the spa cover substantially in alignment with the folding joint, when in the deployed position the pivoting assembly raised away from the top of the spa structure in a substantially vertical orientation, and wherein the pivoting assembly is adapted to suspend the folded spa cover adjacent the spa structure.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a bracket for use in a spa cover lifting device on a spa, comprising a substantially flat, elongated member with respective ends and defining a top and a bottom surface, a supporting member projecting from the top surface at one end of the elongated member, the supporting member having first and second attachment sites adapted to be pivotally engaged with a pivoting member of the spa cover lifting device, the first attachment site defining a first pivot axis substantially parallel to the elongated member and proximal to the top surface thereof, the second attachment site defining a second pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the elongated member, and wherein the bracket is selectively engageable to the spa in one of a first and second position, the bracket in the first position adapted to be inserted under the spa with the spa seated on the top surface of the elongated member and the supporting member adjacent a side of the spa, the bracket in the second position adapted to be mounted vertically to a side wall of the spa with the supporting member projecting away from the side wall.

Further details of these and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description and figures included below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by way of illustration a preferred embodiment thereof and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spa cover lifting device supporting a folded spa cover in a raised position adjacent a spa end in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the spa cover lifting device supporting the folded spa cover shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a exploded view of the spa cover lifting device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a bracket of the spa cover lifting device horizontally positioned as shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the bracket of the spa cover lifting device shown in FIG. 4, in a vertical position in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a spa assembly generally designated by reference numeral 1. The spa assembly 1 generally comprises a spa cover lifting device 10, a spa 12 and a spa cover 14. The spa cover lifting device 10 depicted in this exemplary embodiment incorporates features of the present invention. The lifting device 10 is shown mounted to the spa 12 with a foldable spa cover 14. The term “spa” is used to generally describe a hot tub or bath facility with a whirlpool that is customarily used outside. The spa 12 has a plurality of opposite sides, and more specifically, four side walls 16 extending upwardly from an under surface 17 to define a generally rectangular structure with a top 18. It should be understood that the spa 12 can be of various shapes and sizes without departing in breath and scope from the present invention.

The spa cover 14 shown in its folded position in FIGS. 1 and 2 is designed to complement the spa shape and sit on the top 18 of the spa 12 to insulate and protect the spa water. The spa cover 14 is commonly provided in two parts 20, preferably in halves, that are connected along a folding joint 22. The folding joint 22 is frequently formed by a flexible material. More particularly, the flexible casing material encapsulating the insulation within the spa cover 14 is sewn to form a seam between the two encapsulated foam parts 20.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a preferred embodiment of the lifting device 10 is illustrated. The lifting device 10 generally comprises a pivoting assembly 24 operatively attached at respective ends thereof 26 to a pair of brackets 28 for pivotal movement. The pivoting assembly 24 is pivotally movable from a first position with the spa cover 14 seated on the top 18 of the spa 12, to a second position with the spa cover folded over at the folding joint 22 and raised adjacent the spa. Preferably, the pivoting assembly 24 in the second position supports the spa cover 14 such that it is suspended about the pivoting assembly 24 folded at the folding joint 22 thereof. The pivoting assembly 24 is designed to carry the spa cover 14 from a resting position on the top 18 of the spa 12 to a raised position adjacent the spa as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The raised position is preferably in a substantially vertical orientation adjacent one of the side walls 16 of the spa 12 to minimize space requirements.

It should be noted at this point that the pivoting assembly 24 depicted in FIGS. 1 to 3 is merely one possible configuration thereof. Generally, the pivoting assembly 24 comprises opposed side members 30 joined by a coupler 32 in a U-shaped formation. The side members 30 are each pivotally mounted to one of the brackets 28 at their respective ends 26.

More specifically, the pivoting assembly 24 is preferably provided in multiple segments to form a kit so as to minimize the storage space required and thereby facilitate transportation of the lifting device 10. The pivoting assembly 24 kit includes the side members 30 provided as three separate segments: a pair of upper L-shaped corners 34 joined to a pair of lower L-shaped corners 36 respectively by vertical couplers 38. The coupler 32 is adapted to be horizontally oriented, with respect to a flat surface on which the spa 12 is seated, and to join the pair of upper L-shaped corners 34. As clearly shown in FIG. 3, the lower L-shaped corners 36 are positioned in a plane parallel to opposed side walls 16 of the spa 12 about which the brackets 28 are mounted, and perpendicular to the plane in which the remaining segments of the pivoting assembly 24 are positioned. Furthermore, the lower L-shaped corners 36 rest on the surface on which the spa 12 is rested by means of respective adjustable stoppers 37.

Notably, the side members 30 and coupler 32 are tubular to favor a light weight pivoting assembly 24. Thus, the open ends 26 of the pivoting assembly 24, and more specifically of the lower L-shaped corners 36, are capped to prevent the entrance of debris or water therein and to yield a more aesthetically pleasing design. Caps 39 are preferably press-fit into the open ends 26.

Therefore, the distance between the side members 30 can be adjusted in accordance with the width of the spa cover 14 to permit the pivoting assembly 24 to connect with the brackets 28 located in spaced relation at opposed sides of the spa 12. During installation, the pivoting assembly 24 is adjusted such that when in the first position the horizontal coupler 32 is aligned with the folding joint 20 of the spa cover 14, adjacent thereto. Thus, positioning the pivoting assembly 24 as such enables the spa cover 14 to be folded over the coupler 32 for removal thereof, and to be suspended over the coupler 32 for upright storage adjacent one side of the spa 12 when the pivoting assembly 24 is in the second position. Furthermore, the configuration of the pivoting assembly 24 having one end of the lower L-shaped corners 36 pivotally attached to the brackets 28 respectively, as best shown in FIG. 3, advantageously allows for the spa cover 14 to be minimally elevated during removal thereof. Thus, the design of the side members 30 allows for the spa cover 14 to be suspended proximal to the spa 12 and conveniently at a lower vertical position than would be the case if a straight side member were employed.

The multiple segments are adjusted and secured together during installation via fixation means. Particularly, the upper and lower L-shaped corners 34 and 36 have a series of holes 40 for receiving self tapping screws 42 that fixedly connect the horizontal and vertical couplers 32 and 38 respectively thereto. The couplers 32 and 38 are preferably slightly smaller in diameter than the corners 34 and 36 and are thus installed by telescopic insertion partly into the latter segments. Naturally, other fixation means commonly know in the art can also be used.

At this point it should be stated that the pivoting assembly 24 can also be provided in another embodiment without the coupler 32. Thus, the upper L-shaped corners 34 can engage the spa cover 14 at the folding joint 22 allowing the lifting device 10 to function in a similar fashion as above-described. Preferably, in this alternative embodiment the folding joint 22 is provided with a sleeve (not shown) for receiving the free ends of the upper L-shaped corners 34.

Now referring concurrently to FIGS. 1 through 5, the brackets 28 of the spa cover lifting device 10 can be seen both installed on the spa 12 and separately therefrom. In the preferred embodiment, the pair of brackets 28 are configured to be mounted on opposite sides of the spa 12 in one of a first and a second position. The pair of brackets 28 in the first position are horizontally oriented adapted to be inserted under the spa 12. The pair of brackets 28 in the second position are vertically oriented adapted to be mounted to opposite side walls 16 of the spa 12. Preferably, the brackets 28 are vertically mounted to the base of the opposite side walls 16, proximal to the surface on which the spa is rested to keep the vertical position of the spa cover 14 when suspended to a minimum.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the brackets 28 are configured to be mounted beneath the under surface 17 the spa 12 at opposite sides thereof, such that the brackets 28 are maintained in position by the weight of the spa 12 once the spa is filled with water. It should be understood that during installation, the brackets 28 should be inserted under the spa 12 when it is empty.

It is preferable that the brackets 28 are substantially identical and positioned in mirror relation to one another with respect to the spa 12; therefore, only one bracket 28 will be described in detail with the understanding that the same description applies to the other.

Referring concurrently to FIGS. 4 and 5, a preferred embodiment of a bracket 28 for use in a spa cover lifting device 10 is illustrated. The bracket 28 comprises a substantially flat, elongated member 44 with respective ends 46, 48. The elongated member 44 defines a top and a bottom surface 50 and 52 respectively. The bracket 28 further comprises a supporting member 54 projecting from the top surface 50 at one end 48 of the elongated member 44. The supporting member 54 has first and second attachment sites 56 and 58 respectively adapted to be pivotally engaged with one of the side members 30 of the pivoting assembly 24 of the spa cover lifting device 10. The first attachment site 56 defines a first pivot axis 60 substantially parallel to a plane defined by the elongated member 44 and proximal to the top surface 50 thereof. The second attachment site 58 defines a second pivot axis 62 substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the elongated member 44.

The bracket 28 is selectively engageable with the spa 12 in one of a first and second position as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5 respectively. The bracket 28 in the first position is adapted to be inserted under the spa 12 with the spa 12 seated on the top surface 50 of the elongated member 44 and the supporting member 54 adjacent a side wall 16 of the spa 12. The bracket 28 in the second position is adapted to be mounted to a side wall 16 of the spa 12 with the supporting member 54 projecting away from the side wall 16. In this exemplary embodiment the bracket 28 selectively engaged in the first position is horizontally oriented and selectively engaged in the second position is vertically oriented.

Still referring concurrently to FIGS. 4 and 5, it can be seen that the supporting member 54 has a prismatic shape. Preferably, it is provided as an inverted U construction projecting from the top surface 50 of the elongated member 44. The supporting member 44 includes a first, a second and a third section 64, 66 and 68 respectively, preferably intersecting at substantially right angles to form an inverted U construction. More specifically, the first section 64 projects vertically from one end 48 of the elongated member 44. The second section 66 projects horizontally from the first section 64 in parallel relation to the elongated member 44. The third section 68 extends substantially vertically from the second section 66 towards the top surface 50 in parallel relation to the first section 64. The third section 68 has a horizontal extension 70 that rests flush on the top surface 50 of the elongated member 44 to reinforce the supporting member 54. The extension 70 is fixed to the top surface 50 by way of adhesive or other fixation means commonly known in the art. Preferably, the supporting member 54 is an integral extension from the elongated member 44 such that the bracket 28 is substantially fabricated from a single piece of material bent into shape. The bracket design of the preferred embodiment is simple and compact. Thus, the bracket 28 can be inexpensively manufactured.

Furthermore, the first and second attachment sites 56, and 58 are disposed on the first and second sections 64 and 66 respectively. The first and second attachment sites 56 and 58 are selectively engageable with one of the side members 30 of the pivoting assembly 24 by way of threaded fasteners 72. It should be understood that only one of the first and second attachment sites 56 and 58 is selectively engaged during installation of the spa cover lifting device 10, the selection between the two depending on the desired bracket 28 position. When the bracket 28 is in the first position, the first attachment site 56 is selectively engaged and when the bracket 28 is in the second position, the second attachment site 58 is selectively engaged.

More specifically, the first and second attachment sites 56 and 58 define respective apertures 74 and 76 for selectively receiving a pin 78 in alignment with the selected one of the first and second pivoting axis 60 and 62 respectively. The threaded fasteners 72 as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 include threaded pin 78 that is adapted for insertion through a pair of opposing circumferential holes 80 defined at the end 26 of the lower L-shaped corner 36 and through the selected aperture 74 or 76. The axis defined through the holes 80 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the tubular corner 36. Also included is a pair of spacers 82 with central holes 84 and semi-circular receiving portions 86 that is adapted to mate with the tubular corner 36 on opposite side thereof in alignment with holes 80. A pair of washers 88 and a nut 90 are also included such that one of the washers 88 is positioned between the head of the pin 78 and one of the spacers and the other is positioned between the nut 90 and the inside surface of the second section 66 of the supporting member 54. Finally, a rounded pin head cap 92 is preferably provided to create a smooth surface by hiding the angular edges of the pin 78 head. The pin head cap 92 also helps create an aesthetically pleasing design.

Still referring concurrently to FIGS. 4 and 5, it can be seen that the elongated member 44 of the bracket 28 is provided with a plurality of apertures 94 for receiving fasteners (not shown) therethrough such that the bracket 28 can be mounted to a side wall 16 of the spa 12. Preferably, a gasket 96 configured to complement the shape of the elongated member 44 of the bracket 28 is provided for mating flush with the bottom surface 52 thereof. The gasket 96 is provided with a plurality of apertures 98 for alignment with apertures 94 of the elongated member 44. Thus, the gasket 96 is adapted to be mounted between the side wall 16 of the spa 12 and the bottom surface 52 of the bracket 28 such that the fasteners are inserted through the aligned apertures 94 and 98. The gasket 96 acts as a protective layer for preserving the side wall 16 surface of the spa 12 and as a seal for keeping the fasteners (not shown) dry to prevent rust formation.

The gasket 96 can also be used when the bracket 28 is selectively engaged beneath the under surface 17 of the spa 12. Notably, the bracket 28 and gasket 96 do not need to be fastened via fasteners in this position as the weight of the spa 12 prevents movement thereof; therefore, the gasket 96 acts as a protective layer. Preferably, the gasket 96 is made from an elastomeric material to ensure sealing capabilities. The material selected is also preferably pliable.

Therefore, it can be seen from the above description that the spa cover lifting device is advantageous over prior art, designs. The lifting device 10 is versatile such that it can be selectively engageable in a first or a second position on the spa, and can therefore be used with many different types of spas. Also, the lifting device 10 is simple in construction with a minimum number of overall parts, and is space efficient requiring less material for construction. Thus, the lifting device 10 is relatively inexpensive. Furthermore, the lifting device 10 is simple to install and operate.

The above description is meant to be exemplary only, and one skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made to the embodiments described without department from the scope of the invention disclosed. Still other modifications which fall within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of a review of this disclosure, and such modifications are intended to fall within the appended claims. 

1. A spa cover lifting device for removing and replacing a spa cover formed by two parts joined along a folding joint from a top of a spa having a plurality of opposite sides, the lifting device comprising: a pair of brackets selectively engageable on opposite sides of the spa in one of a first and a second position, the pair of brackets in the first position adapted to be engaged under the spa maintained in position by the weight of the spa, the pair of brackets in the second position adapted to be mounted on opposite sides of the spa; and a pivoting assembly having opposed side members each having an end pivotally mounted to one of the brackets, the pivoting assembly being pivotal from a relaxed position to a deployed position, when in the relaxed position the side members are adapted to engage the spa cover substantially in alignment with the folding joint, when in the deployed position the pivoting assembly raised away from the top of the spa structure in a substantially vertical orientation, and wherein the pivoting assembly is adapted to suspend the folded spa cover adjacent the spa structure.
 2. The spa cover lifting device as defined in claim 1, wherein the brackets are each comprised of a substantially flat, elongated member with respective ends defining a top and a bottom surface, and a supporting member projecting from the top surface at one end of the elongated member, the supporting member having first and second attachment sites adapted to be selectively engaged with the pivoting assembly.
 3. The spa cover lifting device as defined in claim 2, wherein the first attachment site defines a first pivot axis substantially parallel to the elongated member and proximal to the top surface thereof, and the second attachment site defines a second pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the elongated member.
 4. The spa cover lifting device as defined in claim 1, wherein the brackets selectively engaged in the first position are horizontally oriented and in the second position are vertically oriented.
 5. The spa cover lifting device as defined in claim 1, wherein the pivoting assembly has a U-shaped formation with L-shaped corners at respective ends thereof, the L-shaped corners extending in a plane parallel to the opposite sides of the spa engaged by the brackets.
 6. The spa cover lifting device as defined in claim 1, wherein the brackets are adapted to be mounted to the opposite sides of the spa by way of threaded fasteners.
 7. A bracket for use in a spa cover lifting device on a spa, comprising: a substantially flat, elongated member with respective ends and defining a top and a bottom surface; a supporting member projecting from the top surface at one end of the elongated member, the supporting member having first and second attachment sites adapted to be pivotally engaged with a pivoting member of the spa cover lifting device, the first attachment site defining a first pivot axis substantially parallel to the elongated member and proximal to the top surface thereof, the second attachment site defining a second pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the elongated member, and wherein the bracket is selectively engageable to the spa in one of a first and second position, the bracket in the first position adapted to be inserted under the spa with the spa seated on the top surface of the elongated member and the supporting member adjacent a side of the spa, the bracket in the second position adapted to be mounted to a side wall of the spa with the supporting member projecting away from the side wall.
 8. The bracket as defined in claim 7, wherein the first and second attachment sites include an aperture for selectively receiving a pin aligned with the selected one of the first and second pivoting axis to pivotally mount the pivoting member.
 9. The bracket as defined in, claim 7, wherein the supporting member is an integral extension from the elongated member.
 10. A spa assembly comprising: a spa structure having a plurality of opposite sides extending upwardly from an under surface to define an opening at a top for holding water; a spa cover complementing the top of the spa structure formed by two parts joined along a folding joint, the spa cover sitting on the top of the spa; a spa cover lifting device comprising a pair of brackets selectively engaged on opposite sides of the spa structure, a pivoting assembly having opposed side members each having an end pivotally mounted to one of the brackets, the spa cover lifting device selectively engaged with the spa structure in one of a first and a second position, when in the first position the brackets inserted under the spa engaged with the under surface thereof, when in the second position the brackets mounted on opposite sides of the spa structure, the pivoting assembly pivotal from a relaxed position to a deployed position, when in the relaxed position the side members engaged with the spa cover substantially in alignment with the folding joint, when in the deployed position the pivoting assembly raised away from the top of the spa structure in a substantially vertical orientation, and wherein one of the two parts of the spa cover is adapted to fold back over onto the other of the two parts at the folding joint remaining engaged with the side members to be removed from the top of the spa structure by the pivoting assembly pivoting from the relaxed position to the deployed position, the spa cover adapted to be suspended adjacent the spa structure when the pivoting assembly is in the deployed position.
 11. The spa assembly as defined in claim 10, wherein the brackets are each comprised of a substantially flat, elongated member with respective ends defining a top and a bottom surface, and a supporting member projecting from the top surface at one end of the elongated member, the supporting member having first and second attachment sites adapted to be selectively engaged with the pivoting assembly.
 12. The spa assembly as defined in claim 11, wherein the first attachment site defines a first pivot axis substantially parallel to the elongated member and proximal to the top surface thereof, and the second attachment site defines a second pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the elongated member. 